Origin of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms, commonly known as Pink Derris or Purple Derris, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This plant is endemic to Papua New Guinea, an island country situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
Appearance of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea is a woody, climbing vine that can grow up to six meters in length and has smooth, glabrous twigs. The leaves are pinnate, composed of 9-15 leaflets, and smooth and glossy on the upper surface. The flowers are pink to purple and arranged in racemes at the end of the twigs, and the fruit is a cylindrical pod that splits open to release the seeds.
Common Names of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
The plant Derris violacea has a few common names. In Papua New Guinea, it is called “Mbanzi” or “Mbungtu” by the Kewa people and “Ngurupa” by the Maring people. In addition, it is also known as “Pink Derris” or “Purple Derris” in English.
Uses of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea has several medicinal uses. The root bark of this plant contains rotenone, a natural insecticide that can kill parasites, lice, and other insects, making this plant effective in treating head lice and scabies. The leaves and bark of the plant are also used to treat fever, colds, and coughs. Additionally, the roots of Derris violacea are used in traditional medicine to treat menstrual cramps and other gynecological problems.
Aside from its medicinal properties, Derris violacea is also used as a source of derris, a botanical insecticide, and in the manufacture of fish poisons. The plant parts are ground into powder, mixed with water, and used to stun fish for catching in small streams and ponds.
In addition, Derris violacea is used in cultural ceremonies among the indigenous tribes of Papua New Guinea. Some tribes use the vines as decorative elements in costumes and headdresses worn in traditional dances.
Growth Conditions of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms, commonly known as "tuba-tuba," is a perennial woody vine native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, and it is mainly used for medicinal purposes due to the presence of rotenoids in its roots and stems. Here are some typical growth conditions required by Derris violacea for optimal growth and development:
Light Requirements
Derris violacea requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It prefers to grow in areas where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. Insufficient sunlight exposure may lead to stunted growth, decreased rotenoid production, and reduced overall health of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Derris violacea can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 25°C and 30°C, and it can survive temperatures as low as 5°C. However, extreme temperatures, such as frost and heatwaves, can damage the plant severely and affect its growth and production.
Soil Requirements
Derris violacea requires well-draining and fertile soil to grow well. It can tolerate various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, but it prefers fertile and slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and regular fertilization can further enhance the plant's growth and rotenoid production.
Cultivation of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
The Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms plant is native to the tropical regions of South America and can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor cultivation can be carried out in warm and humid regions with well-drained soils, while indoor cultivation requires placing the plant in a warm and sunlit room. The plant can also be grown in a greenhouse environment to ensure optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels.
Watering Needs of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
The Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms plant requires regular watering, especially during its growth phase. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can damage the plant significantly. In contrast, underwatering can lead to stunted growth or wilting of the plant.
Fertilization of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
The Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms plant requires regular fertilization during its active growth phase to support its growth. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium can be applied every three months to supply essential nutrients to the plant. Over-fertilizing can cause fertilizer burn, leading to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Alternatively, under-fertilizing can lead to poor growth and reduced plant health.
Pruning of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
The Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms plant requires minimal pruning, with only pruning necessary to remove dead or decaying leaves. Regular pruning can be carried out to shape the plant and promote bushier growth. During pruning, sterile pruning tools should be used to prevent the spread of possible diseases, and pruning cuts should be made cleanly to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms can be propagated by three methods.
Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds are small and should be harvested when the pods turn brown. After harvesting, they should be dried and stored in a cool dry place until planting. To increase the success rate of germination, the seeds can be soaked overnight in slightly warm water before planting. The best time for planting is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms can also be propagated by cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and the cuttings should be about 15 cm long with a few leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist. Roots usually develop within 2-3 weeks.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another method that can be used to propagate Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms. Air-layering is a more complicated process that involves making a cut in the bark of the plant and packing the wound with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped in plastic to prevent drying out and held in place with twine. Roots will develop in the moss ball, and once they are well established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and potted in soil.
Disease Management for Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms is a relatively disease-resistant plant; however, it is still vulnerable to some diseases like:
- Leaf Spot Disease: This disease is common in Derris violacea plants and is evidenced by yellow spots on the leaves. Management of this disease entails removing the affected leaves and spraying the plant with copper fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by brown or black spots that exhibit a circular pattern on the plant's leaves. Pruning affected leaves and branches and using fungicides such as copper oxychloride helps manage the disease.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This is a root disease caused by a pathogen that thrives in damp soils. The infected plant exhibits slow growth or yellowing of leaves. Management involves avoiding overwatering and aeration of soil by raising the soil bed.
Pest Management for Derris violacea (Klotzsch) Harms
Derris violacea plants are susceptible to attacks from different pests, which include:
- Spider Mites: These pests suck the plant's sap, causing it to have a stippled appearance and turn yellow. Wiping off the pests with a damp cloth and spraying the plant with insecticidal soap helps manage the pest.
- Leaf Miners: Leaf miners create tunnels through the plant's leaves, resulting in white marks or trails. Pruning the affected leaves and using insecticides such as neem oil or spinosad is an effective way of managing this pest.
- Mealybugs: These are another common pest in Derris violacea plants, and they cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Management entails wiping off the pests with a damp cloth and locking in the affected plant in a plastic bag and exposing it to direct sunlight to kill the pests through heat.
